Residing at one of the most quintessential addresses on the island since the 1940s, CBbC Ebusus Restaurant is a delightful all-day dining destination at the heart of Ibiza Town. Its picturesque location gazes out onto the city's bustling central boulevard of Vara de Rey, granting diners a window into the vibrant life that passes by.
Outside, the breezy al-fresco terrace is shaded by beautiful trees and blossoming flowers. Here, lunches can easily turn into long, lazy afternoons or evenings spent watching the world go by.
Inside, above the plush green velvet seats, large gold-framed mirrors adorn the walls. While renovations and refinements have taken place, there’s a nostalgic air about it. If only the walls could talk.
Ebusus, the ancient Latin name for the island of Ibiza, and the interior restaurant is actually located inside the Ebusus Cultural Society of Ibiza, a non-profit association founded in the 1920s and considered a focal point for Ibizan society.
Today, the menu continues the establishment's strong ties with the island. Working with locally sourced and high-quality ingredients, they take traditional Ibizan cuisine and add a modern-day Ebusus touch.
It may have been mid-afternoon, but in such summer heat, there was only one way to cool down: a refreshing cocktail. On recommendation, we opted for the Spicy Strawberry Margarita and the Paloma, each packing a healthy punch.
The Paloma came refreshingly present and correct. The tangy and sour notes of the grapefruit and lime carried the generous helpings of tequila. Sweet and juicy, the strawberry flavour in the Margarita was on point, while the kick came from its beautifully embellished salt-flaked rim. There was no scrimping on the spice here.
Our starters may have originated outside of Spanish lands, but here they’ve been perfected with an Ebusus stamp.
The Russian salad: its crunchy and creamy servings were decorated with chunks of soft tuna belly and slightly spiced kimchi mayonnaise. The crisp pillows were a cute touch and a perfect twist in textures.
Created in France but perfected in Spain, these Iberian-bred ‘Bellota’ ham croquetas were rich and smooth and contained perfectly in their crisp edge. One bite, and their ozziness was eagerly devoured.
The line-caught Lubina was delivered on a huge platter. A dish large enough for two to share, it was served alongside patatas panaderas, juicy tomatoes, and Padrón peppers.
Skilfully filleted and deboned before us by our waiter Carlos, it was perfectly grilled, allowing the delicate flavour and meaty texture to be enhanced with simply garlic and lemon.
We weren’t sure there would be room, but the free-range juicy chicken was an invitation we couldn’t resist. Glazed at a low temperature, the rolled breast was succulent and held the earthy and aromatic notes of the thyme and sage, complemented with a rich red wine jus and chunky, crispy-coated potatoes.
The sweet finishers were a triumph. Knowing what’s awaiting inside, the rich Chocolate Coulant’s crisp edge was no shield for our spoons. Warm and deliciously chocolatey, the centre oozed onto the plate, enriched alongside the popping flavours of the tart and tangy red currants.
A world away in flavours, but equally as moreish, the Lemon Pie was a zingy, citrus dream. Sitting upon a crunchy biscuit base, the smooth and sharp lemon filling was flame finished with a crown of meringue flambeé.
CBbC Ebusus Restaurant brings a beautiful touch of class, not only to this already charming location, but to the well-crafted menu they deliver. The experience beautifully encapsulates laid-back Spanish dining and fine-quality fare.
With stunning views of the picturesque square and historical architecture that guards it, it's a popular destination for holidaymakers and residents who recognise its perfect pairing for summer days in the island's capital.
Make your reservation here.
